When talking about or ordering Indian food, curry is one of the first things that comes to mind. Those aromatic, colorful Indian dishes bursting with flavor are some of the most fabulous meals available in the States and across the world.
But there are many recipes and restaurant items that have much more than just Indian curries to taste and add to your weekly menu. Let’s take a look at some of them that we think you will enjoy!
Try These Tasty Starters
Once you are seated at any type of restaurant, getting appetizer recommendations or going with a favorite selection really sets the tone of the meal. For instance, starting with a massive order of BBQ wings and nachos while watching the Browns v Steelers will probably lead to similar entree choices, maybe a burger or pizza.
The same is true when ordering Indian cuisine. Perhaps when catching up with the latest cricket match or Guardian game, instead of going for a deep-fried Pakora, a diner chooses a Kachumber salad chock full of fresh vegetables, cilantro, Chat Masala, and tart lemon. Then when it is time to order an entree, a refreshing Daal Tadka, yummy yellow lentils, herbs, and spices, including cumin, might be a fantastic choice for Indian curry.
Here are some other Indian food appetizers to consider:
- Mulligatawny & Lentil Soup Even though soup at home or out to eat is incredible all year round, there is something special about a piping hot bowl during the autumn season. Treat yourself to creamy spoon fulls of veggies garnished with rice and chicken when ordering the Mulligawtany. For a mildly seasoned bowl, Lentil soup is a deliciously lite bite.
- Bhel Puri If you are in the mood for a hearty appetizer of puffed rice, tomatoes, and onions topped with a signature sweet and sour chutney, then Bhel Puri is the starter for you.
- Pan Puri Crisp rounds of hollowed-out puffed Puri make a perfect container for potatoes and chickpeas; just waiting to be filled with the incredible spicy water mixture makes Pan Puri a fabulous Indian dish.
- Samosa Chat Are you looking for a vegetarian starter with tons of texture and taste? Samosa Chat is a great choice. This unique Indian cuisine comes with chickpeas, seasoned yogurt, onions, tomatoes, and tamarind, topped with a bright mint sauce.
Indian Curries and More Entrees
Whether you are hungry for a fiery hot Indian curry, a mild option, or maybe one in between, almost any day is good for Indian cuisine! Another reason that Indian food is such a favorite goes beyond curry and into Indian BBQ and other great dishes. Here we will explore some of these famously delicious menu items to learn the flavor combinations that make them so good.
- Rogan Josh First up is the mouthwateringly aromatic Indian dish of Rogan Josh. An extreme taste sensation of tender lamb, fresh garlic, ginger, onions, and authentic spices is something that everyone who loves Indian food should taste.
- Madras Originating from South India, Madras can tingle the taste buds with a spicy heat. Whether you choose juicy chicken or lamb, the bold flavors come from tomato, onion, a unique blend of spices, and shredded coconut.
- Salmon Curry On the days you are craving seafood, Salmon Curry is an incredible option. The richness in this Indian curry comes from the fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices that come through in every last bite.
Deciding on Indian food other than curry is an easy one when you pick one of these Indian dishes.
- Seekh Kabab For all those who enjoy lamb, add an order of Seekh Kabab the next time you order in or go out to eat Indian cuisine. The addition of ginger, onion, and peppers are a perfect accompaniment to the juicy protein that makes this one so crave-able.
- Biryani This Indian dish is easy to order whether you are a meat eater or looking for healthier vegetarian selections. Some call it The King of Indian Food because it is incredibly seasoned Basmati rice and original spices.
- Tandoori – Chicken or Shrimp Maybe it is the delectable yogurt marinade that makes Tandoori a top Indian cuisine. Or it might be the traditional cooking vessel that it is prepared in. Either way, it is a sensational dish to order other than a curry.
A Modern Take on a Traditional Favorite
Order a new taste experience on the classic Indian curry with the Butter Chicken Bowl. This modern preparation enhances this traditional creamy, buttery Indian food with cucumber, lettuce, rice, Chana Masala, carrots, onion, and tomato with a touch of tangy lemon, cilantro, and fried chili.
Always Choose Dessert
No matter what you choose to order for an entree, an Indian curry or not, every phenomenal meal deserves a sweet treat at the end. Make sure to make room for any of the following Indian food desserts!
- Kheer Authentic Indian frostings, raisins, and nuts, usually almonds, top the delicious Basmati rice pudding dessert of Kheer.
- Ras Malai Some liken this Indian dish to a crustless cheesecake. The main ingredients are sweet cottage cheese dumplings and a mixture of creamy rosewater milk.
- Double Ka Meetha When a single sweet just won’t do, go for two times the sugariness with Double Ka Meetha. Butter-fried bread cubes cook in a sugary syrup until perfectly done, then topped with almonds and pistachios.
If your local Indian food restaurant partners with a cake and pastry artist or makes them in-house, give one a try. Visit the restaurant’s website to learn any information on preparation, customization, or personalizing a cake with photos.
As you see, Indian cuisine has so much to offer from curries and beyond! Now the choice is up to you. To curry or not to curry? Either way, it is sure to be a superb dining experience.
Happy eating!
Indian Delight is a spectacular place to eat your favorite Indian curries and more Indian dishes. We offer dine-in, takeout, and ordering online for delivery. Place an order and view our menu by visiting our website www.idcleveland.com. Do you have a special occasion coming up? Ask about our catering services!
